SPD energy policy spokesperson Nina Scheer strongly refutes criticism leveled against Germany’s energy transition by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). Reiche had previously argued in a guest article for the FAZ that Germany needed to end its “self-deception”.
Scheer criticizes the minister, stating that Reiche is belittling Germany’s climate objectives. In a follow-up guest article in the FAZ, Scheer accuses the CDU minister of concealing facts, noting that one-third of Germany’s electricity costs come from grid fees that are currently being financed through coalition discussions. She points out that Reiche downplays the fact that the coalition had previously decided in the past year to approve subsidies totaling 6.5 billion euros for grid fees and electricity tax exemptions for industry.
Furthermore, Scheer criticizes Reiche for failing to present concrete measures for an industrial electricity price, contrary to a decision made by the coalition committee months prior. She argues that stating goals should never be misinterpreted as self-sufficient-they require subsequent legislation. According to Scheer, the real issue is not the implementation of goals, but the flawed assumption that the stated renewable and climate protection targets are unreachable and that this is the cause of excessively high electricity prices.
Additionally, Scheer claims that Reiche has not submitted any draft legislation aimed at improving the efficiency of the power grids, nor has she presented the long-promised power plant security legislation. Scheer also takes issue with Reiche’s alleged desire to significantly reduce subsidies for green electricity, possibly by only compensating for green power if it can actually be used because the grid has the capacity. She warns that without compensation for unused electricity via redispatch mechanisms, a substantial portion of renewable electricity generation would not materialize. Such a shortfall in renewables would result in the loss of billions in value-creating investment and the possibility of lower electricity prices.
Scheer concludes by asserting that any legislative restriction on renewables works against affordable electricity prices and blocks necessary forward progress. She suggests that the focus should instead be on abandoning this alleged “self-deception”.
